Levinson, Matt. (2009-2010, February). Keeping the peace. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25237&DirectListComboInd=D
Summary
In Keeping the Peace, Matt Levinson discusses the impact of the use of the one to one laptops and installation of the iChat that were introduced in his school. He especially makes a note of the fact that "the baby boomers seem to see technology as information and communication. Their offspring and the emerging generation seem to see the same devices as entertainment and socializing." As we continue reading the article, we see how the students soon took advantage of the access and started to use the iChat frequently. The school ended up having to put a stop to the use of the lap tops and iChat due to disruptions in class and outside of the class rooms. This decision turned into turmoil since some parents believed the use of the iChat had opened up the playing field for their children and the use of it. For some children that did not have much time to socialize outside of school, this became their medium for socializing. It also became an issue of parenting and who is to make the decisions regarding the use of the laptops; school or each individual parent and household? Most students thought it was a great idea to have the laptops for use while some welcomed the idea that the school itself made the decision to just shut down the use of it.
Reflection
The use of the lap tops seems like a great opportunity for the students, especially the students that don’t have access to a computer. However, the use of iChat in school does not seem like a good idea, especially when we are talking about middle school children. The fact that the school did put a stop to it, I believe is their decision. The parents can’t decide if the school should use such a communication tool for the children or not. However, at home each individual parent can decide if their child can use iChat or not. It is interesting to see how they started out introducing these laptops with the idea for the students to have access to technology and information and instead the students used the laptops and iChat as an entertainment and socializing devise. It is each household’s responsibility to monitor their own children’s use of the computer. However, I think it is a good idea before you introduce new tools of communication in school to perhaps have some guidelines to follow. The established guidelines that they took into effect are a very good starting point.
Question #1
Should iChat be used as a means for communication and socialization in replacement for personal face to face relationships with peers?
It seems kind of odd to me that a parent would think iChat and the use of a lap top is a great way for a child to socialize; if there is no time left during the day to otherwise socialize with friends and peers. If a child is so busy in other activities that they don’t have time to meet with other children except for on the go while moving from one activity to the next, perhaps it is time for a time out and revisit what is important. I still believe the regular face to face contact children have with peers is very important. You need to make time to meet with each other and not only talk over the net. It seems many children today are in their homes just communicating online with each other rather than meeting and talking face to face. Face to face communication is very important. Online communication becomes very distant…all though it is a great way to communicate when we can’t meet the people we hold dear.
Question #2
Was the question of whether to use the iChat a question of freedom of speech or freedom of expression?
I think the question was not so much a question of freedom of speech. Freedom of expression is more close to the issue the administration of this particular school was facing. “The freedom to seminate, information and ideas, but three further distinct aspects: the right to seek information and ideas; the right to receive information and ideas; the right to impart information and ideas.” By giving the students the laptops to use for communication and the iChat that came with it they gave them an opportunity to exercise their own distinct ways to seek information and to develop ideas. Ones the administration felt they no longer used the tools correctly then, they put a stop to it. I don’t believe the school took away the freedom of expression by limiting and changing the rules for how this medium was to be used. When we have been given the opportunity to use a medium we also need to learn how to use it respectfully and when it no longer serves its purpose, such as in the school setting, then I believe the school can change the rules for how to use it. If you provide the tool then you have the right to guide the way for how to use it too.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Newsletter using Scribd Nets 1, 2, 3
By creating a newsletter, my goal is to engage the students, parents and peers in upcoming class room activities, exploring real-time world issues, and authentic problems. The newsletter allows me as a teacher to communicate relevant information and ideas effectively using digital age work and learning. In this assignment I learned about word and the many different options one has when designing this newsletter. Using Scribd allowed me to learn about a new technology that would format the newsletter so I could transfer it to the blog.
NewsletterCLC
NewsletterCLC
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Journal 2 Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective Nets 1, 3, 4, 5
Maguth, B.M., & Elliott, J. (2009-2010). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective . ISTE, 37(February No. 5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25244&DirectListComboInd=D
Summary
In this article, Brad M. Maguth and Jeff Elliott, integrates many different subject matters under one “umbrella.” The students learn about global issues, different cultures and their different point of views on these issues. They also learn about different forms of communication. For the purpose of this project, the students use the debate as a format for discussion and teaching. While researching the different subject matters for the debate, the students learn about diverse cultures and their different points of view regarding these global issues. The choice of technology to record the debate is the podcast. By finally posting the results of the debate on the internet, these students are able to reach an audience that reaches much further than the class room and their own parents. It also teaches them a sense of responsibility when it comes to showcasing accurate information.
Reflection
This way of teaching showed a lot of creativity and it really took the meaning of education to a different level. When you role play and put yourself in somebody else’s “shoes,” you all of a sudden open up the door to a greater sense of understanding and possibly a greater willingness to understand. The use of the podcast and the internet forces you to think about the information you put on the internet. These students really crossed the boarders at all levels. Not only did they explore different cultures and their points of views on these serious global issues but they also tried to share their findings and conclusions of the result globally using the internet. I think it was great how the teachers used many different communication channels for this project. Research, debate, creating a script, journal taking, technology etc. I know I would have enjoyed being in this class.
Question #1
Can this format be used to engage in discussions regarding global issues with students in the same grade level from different countries?
I believe there are no boundaries today. The internet has opened up a great opportunity to bridge cultures. What better way than to start in the class room. It would be great if my 10th grader, while studying AP European History, could engage in discussions live with 10th graders from different European countries. What if you had cooperating schools, one from France, one from Italy and one from England, you would have some chosen topics picked by the teacher representative from each school. Then you would have a chosen format for the discussion etc. I believe the students would learn so much more because it all becomes real. When reading about France in a history book, it could easily become very boring for many students that do not necessarily like reading very much. But if they can be engaged in a live discussion so they can find a greater purpose for reading, they will be more motivated.
Question #2
Should every high school have as a requirement to take a class teaching the use of the internet?
As much as we use the internet today, I am surprised that there are no classes teaching students the responsibility that comes along with the use of the internet as well as teaching students the endless possibilities on how to use the internet. Being in this class, I have already learned a lot. Most things I learn are things I did not even know was available. It has opened up a new window to technology and its advantages. Internet use should be part of the curriculum today. Every student should know how to use a search engine and how to look up information. The way these teachers used the internet as part of teaching was to these students’advantage.
Summary
In this article, Brad M. Maguth and Jeff Elliott, integrates many different subject matters under one “umbrella.” The students learn about global issues, different cultures and their different point of views on these issues. They also learn about different forms of communication. For the purpose of this project, the students use the debate as a format for discussion and teaching. While researching the different subject matters for the debate, the students learn about diverse cultures and their different points of view regarding these global issues. The choice of technology to record the debate is the podcast. By finally posting the results of the debate on the internet, these students are able to reach an audience that reaches much further than the class room and their own parents. It also teaches them a sense of responsibility when it comes to showcasing accurate information.
Reflection
This way of teaching showed a lot of creativity and it really took the meaning of education to a different level. When you role play and put yourself in somebody else’s “shoes,” you all of a sudden open up the door to a greater sense of understanding and possibly a greater willingness to understand. The use of the podcast and the internet forces you to think about the information you put on the internet. These students really crossed the boarders at all levels. Not only did they explore different cultures and their points of views on these serious global issues but they also tried to share their findings and conclusions of the result globally using the internet. I think it was great how the teachers used many different communication channels for this project. Research, debate, creating a script, journal taking, technology etc. I know I would have enjoyed being in this class.
Question #1
Can this format be used to engage in discussions regarding global issues with students in the same grade level from different countries?
I believe there are no boundaries today. The internet has opened up a great opportunity to bridge cultures. What better way than to start in the class room. It would be great if my 10th grader, while studying AP European History, could engage in discussions live with 10th graders from different European countries. What if you had cooperating schools, one from France, one from Italy and one from England, you would have some chosen topics picked by the teacher representative from each school. Then you would have a chosen format for the discussion etc. I believe the students would learn so much more because it all becomes real. When reading about France in a history book, it could easily become very boring for many students that do not necessarily like reading very much. But if they can be engaged in a live discussion so they can find a greater purpose for reading, they will be more motivated.
Question #2
Should every high school have as a requirement to take a class teaching the use of the internet?
As much as we use the internet today, I am surprised that there are no classes teaching students the responsibility that comes along with the use of the internet as well as teaching students the endless possibilities on how to use the internet. Being in this class, I have already learned a lot. Most things I learn are things I did not even know was available. It has opened up a new window to technology and its advantages. Internet use should be part of the curriculum today. Every student should know how to use a search engine and how to look up information. The way these teachers used the internet as part of teaching was to these students’advantage.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Journal 1 Computing in the Clouds Nets 5
Johnson, D. (2009). Computing in the clouds. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(4), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm
Summary
In this article, Doug Johnson, argues that computing in the clouds is the direction we are heading toward. Throughout the article, Johnson, shows us how information will become more and more accessible for students and staff. It will also be cheaper to use information. We are no longer dependent on purchasing expensive computers with great hard drives to store our information on, neither do we have to purchase software programs so we can write up essays for school or create a nice power point presentation. As long as we can access the internet, we can also access our own “work.” He continues to talk about the Netbook and how this device can help lower the cost for schools that can’t afford to purchase computers. He also brings up the security of working in the clouds. He responds to questions such as how safe is it to store your information anywhere else than on your own computer and who owns the information. Finally, he touches on adequate knowledge for educators to transmit the technological advantages that seem to know no boundaries to their students.
Reflection
To work in the cloud takes on a whole new meaning to me after reading this article. First I would like to say that I feel very humbled when I read this article and realize just how little I know about the technological advantages you can utilize to your own benefit. I had also never heard the term “to work in the cloud” till I read this article. But when I think about it, I do it all the time. When I want to make a pdf, I don’t go and purchase a software program to do it. I rather go on the internet and search for free pdf converters. It is absolutely fabulous. I can also find many free trial programs and editing programs that I use for pictures, I just never thought about it as working in the cloud. Having the possibility to compute in the clouds opens the possibility to be completely virtual. I never have to be in one place to do my work. Working “in the clouds” opens up the possibility to students to bring their school work anywhere as long as there is internet access. I can also work in any setting without worrying about my “information.” Everything just seems easier. Where is the catch? It just seems too good to be true.
Queston #1
Will the academic divide between the students in affluent areas and poorer neighborhoods increase even more if we start using Netbooks in the class room or is it possible to bridge some of the gap?
I have never used a Netbook, but from reading about it, it seems very useful and inexpensive. I believe the Netbook will serve as an inexpensive option for schools that can’t afford to purchase computers for their students. But then again, there are many schools that probably will not be able to purchase the Netbooks either. If schools move away from computers and expect their students to have Netbooks when they come to class, then I believe the gap will grow further. There are many inexpensive computers on the market today, and still many people that don’t have a computer at home. I do see how information is much more affordable to come by if using the Netbook and I believe that there are many schools that might be able to take advantage of this fact. Companies might also be more likely to donate Netbooks to a school than to give away an expensive computer. Overall, I believe that access to technology and information will always be a barrier between the students that have and the ones that don’t have and I don’t think the Netbook will help bridge the gap.
Question #2
What will the expectations be from the teachers in the class room and their knowledge about this technology?
It seems like if we use the Netbooks in the class rooms, the teachers are going to have to be much more technologically advanced in their knowledge. “Computing in the clouds” opens up the door to basically anywhere. Right now we have some sort of check and balance because we have the software on our computers in schools and the teachers for the most part know what the students are doing. Or at least should do. Once students” leave” their stationary class room computer, they will be able to access all and any type of information. They have to enter the internet to access their own files. I don’t see how you can work securely if you are out in cyberspace where anybody can enter your data and you can enter others data. I thing this questions needs to be explored further.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)